English Grammar, Punctuation & Vocabulary Flashcards

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

Answer: The judge only dismissed two charges, not all three.

'Only' should modify 'two charges,' but its placement before 'dismissed' suggests the judge dismissed charges and nothing else.

Select the word that best completes this sentence: 'The new rule will ___ the old procedure.'

Answer: Preempt

'Preempt' means to take the place of or supersede, making it the correct word to describe a new rule replacing an old procedure.

Which punctuation correctly completes this sentence: 'The deposition covered three topics___ liability, damages, and causation'?

Answer: A colon

A colon introduces a list or elaboration after an independent clause, making it the correct choice here.

The legal term 'in camera' means proceedings conducted:

Answer: In the judge's private chambers, not in open court

'In camera' is Latin for 'in the chamber,' referring to proceedings held privately in the judge's chambers or a closed courtroom.

A gerund functions in a sentence as a:

Answer: Noun formed from a verb ending in -ing

A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that acts as a noun, e.g., 'Testifying is stressful' where 'testifying' is the subject.

Which of the following is a correctly hyphenated compound modifier?

Answer: A well-known attorney

Compound modifiers preceding a noun are hyphenated; 'well-known' modifies 'attorney' together, so one hyphen between 'well' and 'known' is correct.

The vocabulary word 'subpoena' is best defined as:

Answer: A legal order compelling a person to appear or produce evidence

A subpoena is a court order requiring someone to testify or produce documents; failure to comply can result in contempt.